Dear Parents,

The decision to let your high school graduate leave the country for a Gap Year is not an easy one. Once you consider the benefits that living and learning in a foreign country provide, you may just welcome the idea of adding a global perspective to your student’s education.

Taking a Gap Year provides high school graduates with opportunities to develop greater independence, maturity, self-confidence, and flexibility.  These qualities help young adults to responsibly handle the academic and social pressures of college and the job world. Also, living in another culture develops respect and understanding of others; in this age of globalization, international experience and cross-cultural competence is essential and strongly encouraged by leaders in business, government, and academia.

Doing a gap year (or summer or semester) is a significant addition to a college application, a job resume, and a life. It builds insight, self-esteem, and leaders. Interviewers recognize that someone who has interacted across cultures brings unique skills to any work or study situation.

There are many different gap year programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our youth.  There are service programs, academic programs, research, language, work opportunities, and more. We hope you will explore this website and these links to programs and articles, and read the letters from “Gapper” alumni.

That year between high school and the next phase of life is the perfect time to take a break from the classroom and learn from the world. We’ll be offering guidance as we build the site.  Please stay tuned.

The Let’s Get Global Team